Song of the Dark Wood

Fable Song, Book 1

De: Sheila Masterson

Narrado por: Aoife McMahon, Dermot Magennis

This atmospheric, dark and spicy romantasy is perfect for fans of feminine rage, strong female friendships, unique magic systems, angsty romance, and ominous mysteries.

For centuries, the people of remote Ballybrine have kept the peace with their gods by sacrificing a Red Maiden to ferry souls from the Mother’s realm of the living, through the Dark Wood, to the Wolf’s realm of the dead. Soon it will be Rowan’s turn.

Ripped from her family as a young girl, Rowan Cleary has been forced into a cloistered life learning to please the wolf and wield her spirit-enchanting voice. Though none of the previous maidens have survived their five-year term, Rowan is determined to beat the odds and protect the women who have become family to her.

When a deathly blight breaks out in the Dark Wood, and the acting maiden is murdered, Rowan vows to strike a new bargain with the god of death to ensure her survival. The Wolf has always been someone to fear—even more so now that the townspeople blame him for the blight—but he’s far from the vengeful death god she expects.

To unravel the mystery, Rowan must seduce the Wolf. Soon, the attraction between them grows into a relentless magical force, threatening to shatter the delicate balance between realms and unleash a darkness eager to swallow their world.

Song of the Dark Wood is a standalone gothic fairy tale fantasy romance that blends a fractured Red Riding Hood retelling with a hint of Hades and Persephone. This coming of rage character-driven romance is perfect for fans of Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window, Rebecca Ross's A River Enchanted, and Hannah Whitten's Foxglove King.

©2025 Sheila Masterson (P)2025 Dreamscape Media

Alluring dark fantasy romance

Loved the feminine rage and taking down of the patriarchy 👏🏽. Such an atmospheric read. The slow burn romance was fantastic and the mysterious plot with gods and goddesses intriguing. And the narrators kept me captivated.

Very interesting book

I like the idea and message of this book and i appreciate that the male narrator doesn’t do a stupid “girl” voice when narrating Rowan

Red Riding Hood x Hades & Persephone

Loved it!

A good mix of dark romantic themes woven into an imaginative retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Hades & Persephone.

Eh, it was okay.

The characters were fabulous! A lot of growth and development but the plot… yikes.
You know when you read a book and you just feel something is missing? That was it. Song of the Dark Wood could have been great buuuuut there was something missing! Something vital.
And every time there was a possible tension in the story, it was instantly destroyed like I didny know where we were going. There just was no goal in sight. It’s hard to explain.

Great female centered story and amazing slow burn

I was invested right away in the characters and absolutely loved the world-building. It has everything: fairy tale re-telling, Celtic mythology, strong female leads, feminine rage, musical magic, witchy nature vibes, and great spicy scenes!